Top 5 Fitness Tips for Brides-to-be

Looking to get fit and healthy before your wedding? Here’s some great fitness tips for brides-to-be…

So you’ve said “yes” to the dress. Now the thought of the big day begins to creep into your mind. You visualise pledging to stay with your other half ‘til death do you part… while everyone stares at your backside. You begin to panic.

Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and recognise that this is not a time to stress. You can use something that people typically struggle to find (motivation) to make an impact on want you want to change.

Rather than using the time leading up to your big day to whittle yourself down to some magic number, take this time to become your healthiest you. In the same way a new year can mark a fresh start, so too can this emerging stage of your relationship. Consider your engagement to be a commitment not only to your partner, but even more so to yourself, and let that set the tone for the rest of your marriage.

So what’s it going to take? There are five principles of weight loss: cardiovascular exercise, good nutrition, strength training, stretching and, the hardest of them all, commitment.

Cardio:
Find something that gets the endorphins going. Endorphins are the chemicals that make you feel awesome, and this is exactly what you should be feeling at this point. For me, that endorphin booster is a spin class at XYZ. It energises me, helps me release any stress and stops me from turning into Bridezilla.

Strength Training:By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. As you gain muscle, your body begins to burn calories more efficiently. The more toned your muscles become, the easier it is to control your weight.

Stretching:Better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injury by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work more effectively. Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscles. Also, let’s not forgot about how flexibility can affect the wedding night . . .

Good Nutrition:
Not eating enough can sabotage your weight-loss efforts just as much as overeating can. When you don’t eat enough, your body begins holding on to all the calories you consume and turns them into fat. So, even if you lose weight on a starvation diet, you won’t look good because the lack of nutrition will diminish your muscle mass while increasing your fat storage.

Remember that a healthy, balanced diet is important at all times, but in the run-up to a wedding, it’s critical. Good nutrition will help to keep you mentally focused through all stress that comes with preparing for a wedding.

Commitment:
You wouldn’t miss your cake tasting or dress fitting, would you? Add your workouts to your calendar so that other obligations don’t get in the way of your workout time. Remember — this is time that you’re setting aside for you, and you will need it.

Finally, get excited — not stressed! Between wedding planning, a career and a variety of social commitments, it is easy to lose sight of the excitement surrounding your big day. Make a point every day to imagine yourself wearing that perfect gown and visualise the benefits of reaching your goals. Find inspiration from visualising that special moment when you walk down the aisle and don’t forget to keep up that positive attitude! This is where your new life begins. It’s not only about helping you look great by the time your wedding day arrives; it’s also about helping you stay healthy, fit and svelte as you celebrate your first, second, and 22nd anniversaries.

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Maura Thompson

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I lived in New York City for three years before moving to Hong Kong in May 2008. Moving to Hong Kong has been one of the best decisions I ever made! I am a total city girl and pride myself on being able to navigate the hills of Hong Kong in 5-inch heels. I am quite certain though that I will face plant one day on Pottinger Street and I just hope no one will be around to witness it. I love all things fitness related and I am at my happiest when doing Tree pose on my yoga mat.